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            GORHAM, Maine -- Senior guard Kaylie DeMillo (Jay, Maine) and junior guard Nicole Garland (Portland, Maine/Deering) have been named captains for the 2010-11 University of Southern Maine Huskies women's basketball team.  Veteran head coach Gary Fifield made the announcement as the Huskies prepare for their season-opening game against the University of New England Nor'easters on Monday (5:30 p.m.).

            "Kaylie and Nicole have preformed exceptionally well as leaders in the preseason workouts," said Fifield who is entering his 23rd season with the Huskies.  "Both understand the work ethic, determination and leadership necessary for our team to achieve its goals."

            Missing last season with an injury, Garland returns to the lineup after a successful rookie campaign in 2008-2009.  Garland played in 23 of the Huskies 29 games as a freshman and averaged 4.0 points and 1.2 rebounds per game.  Garland sank 21 three-pointers shooting a solid 34.4 percent from three-point.  The 5-foot-7 guard recorded a career high of 14 points against the University of Massachusetts Boston.

            One of the Huskies top scorers over the past three seasons, DeMillo enters her senior year as USM's single-season three-point record holder (76 in 2009).  The top returning scorer from last season's team, DeMillo averaged 11.6 points, 3.1 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game as a junior.  A two-time All-Little East Conference and MWBCA (Maine Women's Basketball Coaches Association) All-State selection, DeMillo is 41 three-pointers shy of a USM career record.

            Among the eight returning players from last year's squad joining DeMillo and Garland is junior guard Renee Nicholas (Sebago, Maine/Lake Region).  Nicholas earned All-LEC Defensive Team honors as a sophomore after setting a single-season record for steals with 135 (4.5 per game).  Nicholas also added 7.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as a starter.

            The Huskies, who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball National Championship tournament, were selected to finish third in the Little East Conference coaches preseason poll.  The Huskies finished the 2009-2010 season 21-9 overall, marking their 30th consecutive season with at least 20 wins, and 10-4 in the Little East Conference.

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